The Thai Gem and Jewelry Trades Association is researching hard information and statistics which together presented to the Thai government could make a strong case for carnet acceptance, according to a highly-placed TGJTA source.

            “We are revising plans on how we can be more effective in our approach, which will carry more weight if the association is supported by other trade associations,” said the source, who requested anonymity. Thai jewelers have not formally pushed for carnet because Thailand is not a member of the International Chamber of Commerce, which is required of carnet-practicing nations. Member nations of the carnet system also have to pay steep dues, which the Thais privately say they would like to negotiate on better terms and conditions, the source told JewelSiam.

            Carnet benefits frequent international fair exhibitors, including jewelers and manufacturers of professional equipment, but is unimportant to Thailand’s rice producers, manufacturers of automobile spare parts and footwear and leatherwear manufacturers among other local industries, said the source. “The government’s feeling is the jewelry industry is just one sector, and this sector alone already enjoys too much privilege.”

            Thai jewelers have discussed carnet with senior officials of the Board of Trade, the source said, but the feeling there is “hesitance.” Thailand’s Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department, which comes under it, need to approve carnet if it is to pass but that is unlikely because it would involve uneasy amendments to existing regulations on import of temporary goods and cumbersome requirements for bank guarantees and deposits, the source added.

            So how to impress the Finance Ministry which already is overwhelmed by the nation’s economic priorities? “To convince them carnet’s advantages and how they in turn can serve the interest of all sectors,” he said.